McMichael Retires After 16 Years Of Helping Make Buffs Better
June 05, 2023 | General, Buff Club, Neill Woelk
BOULDER — Throughout his 16 years with the University of Colorado Athletic Department, Scott McMichael made sure he never wavered from one simple principle when it came to performing his job.
"Every day you ask yourself, 'How can I make this place a little better? How can I help?'" McMichael remembers. "Then you go out and make those connections and build relationships. In the end, the result is giving people a chance to connect with their passions while giving your student-athletes every opportunity possible to succeed and grow."
McMichael, who officially retired in mid-May, did his job quite well. Hired as Director of Development/Assistant Athletic Director in 2007 — and later promoted to Senior Director of Development — McMichael played a key role in helping CU make major strides in scholarship funding, facility improvement and alumni development and involvement during the course of his career in Boulder.
"It came down to making connections with former student-athletes, with alums and with people who were just interested in being a part of the University of Colorado and making a difference," McMichael said. "You get to make those connections and establish relationships that last a lifetime."
McMichael certainly made a significant difference in Boulder. He built solid relationships with coaches and administrators, many of whom leaned on him for everything from fundraising help to simply a few words of sage advice.
"When he retired, we lost a very valuable member of the department," said men's basketball coach Tad Boyle. "You hear about people behind the scenes who make a big difference — Scott was one of those guys who had a tremendous impact on CU Athletics. I have leaned on him as much as anyone in my 13 years at CU. He was a selfless individual who has always had the best interests of the department and student-athletes as his priority. We're going to miss him — a lot."
McMichael was by no means a stranger to the world of college athletics when he arrived in Boulder. He played quarterback at Kansas for three years in the 1970s and then enjoyed the proverbial "cup of coffee" in the NFL before moving into the corporate world with Wilson Sporting Goods.
That allowed him to continue his connection with college sports and in the early 1980s, he jumped back into that world full time when he took a job at Kansas. There, he wore a variety of hats — from marketing to fundraising to sales — but the bottom line was that his labors always benefitted student-athletes.
"I started to raise money for scholarships and that really resonated with me," McMichael said. "It was a way to pay it forward. That part of the job became a very natural transition. It was a way I could make a difference and give back."
McMichael worked at KU for roughly two decades, then made the move to Boulder in 2007. His new position was focused heavily on fundraising, and he helped build a foundation that would pave the way for better scholarship funding, the new Champions Center and a host of student-athlete initiatives that brought about significant improvements in health and performance, nutrition and continued facility upgrades for all sports.
"It was a great job — a great career," McMichael said. "You build relationships with coaches and you get to know the student-athletes on a personal level. What you learn is that it's amazing what you can accomplish when you sit down and actually talk to people. You always hear about barriers, but when you take the time to talk and listen, great things can happen. You really find out how you can help — and those relationships that you built last a lifetime."
The "art" of fundraising, McMichael said, isn't complicated.
Rather, the task simply involves building relationships with people and discovering their passions.
"The opportunity to connect people with their passions has always been a great part of the job," he said. "It's something I've always tried to do — find a way to connect people with the things that are important to them."
Some people have a passion for brick and mortar — they want to help with facilities that will benefit student-athletes. Others are more interested in scholarship assistance, or helping fund student-athlete well-being initiatives.
"The key was finding that passion and connecting them to a way to help CU," McMichael said. "In the end, it always helped make CU a better place."
Obviously, there are challenges. People watch win-loss records and want to know that their money is being spent wisely. In the last few years, things such as conference realignment and Name, Image and Likeness rules have added another layer to the job.
But, McMichael said, the rewarding piece of the job never changed.
"You feel lucky when you have a job that you enjoy," he said. "One thing that never changes is that sense of rejuvenation you feel every August. Everyone is undefeated, hope springs eternal and that aura of excitement is always in the air."
And that eternal possibility of success and growth never failed to fuel his passion for his job.
"You see student-athletes get opportunities, you see the university grow and you see people get that sense of fulfillment. That's the kind of positive outcome that always made the job rewarding."
McMichael's retirement actually comes a little later than originally planned. He thought about stepping away several years ago, but each time, he was asked to come back and assist in a new project or a new phase of development.
"I joked that there were times when I felt like the Dead and Co.," he said with a laugh. "Just one more tour … but this is definitely it. I'm officially done."
Colorado Athletic Director Rick George said McMichael has been a critical part of CU's growth and progress during his tenure.
"Scott has been an integral part of the CU Athletics family and a difference-maker in our fundraising efforts for the past 15 years," George said. "We wish him and his wife Marcia nothing but the best as they move forward in this next phase of their life."
CU honored McMichael with a retirement party in mid-May.
"Marcia (his wife) and I were blown away by the response," he said. "We were amazed by the people who showed up. It made you feel really special. It was just a great mix of loyal donors and supporters and people I worked with."
Through the generosity of several donors, CU also announced an endowment in his name at the event.
"Totally unexpected but obviously very much appreciated," McMichael said. "It made you feel good about the time you invested all these years."
McMichael stressed that he won't be disappearing from the CU landscape. He will still attend Buffs sporting events — but enjoy them from a fan perspective.
And, he will no doubt keep a close eye on developments in Boulder as CU administrators navigate the ever-changing college athletic waters ahead.
"I've always been an optimist," McMichael said. "Everything rises and falls with leadership and right now I feel CU has the right people in place. From President Todd Saliman to Chancellor Phil DiStefano to Athletic Director Rick George, our coaches and staff, it is a solid foundation of leadership. I think the future is on good footing with those folks in control. No doubt it is a time of great change, but you control what you can control and I feel good about how that group is navigating all the issues at hand."